Archaeology Graduates Enjoying Job Security

Looking back in time has provided a bright future for two of JCU’s Bachelor of Arts (Archaeology major) graduates, Caitlin Evans and Jeremy Hill.

By Krystin Prideaux

EXPLORING THE WORLD: Caitlin Evans on a dig site in Cambodia.

Having graduated last year, both Caitlin Evans and Jeremy Hill have begun to make names for themselves in the world of archaeology.

A field that encompasses a wide variety of subject areas, archaeology is essentially the scientific study of past human societies based on what they left behind.

Miss Evans is currently undertaking a Phd with JCU, as well as working casually for an archaeology consulting firm in Sydney. Her PhD looks at the development of communities past to present in a district of North East Thailand.

Miss Evans explained her decision to study Archaeology as part of her Bachelor of Arts degree was based on the a desire to explore the world.

Senior Lecturer of Archaeology at JCU, Shelley Greer, said there are many opportunities for students who graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Archaeology.

“There are countless opportunities for post grads in both academia and in the field,” Ms Greer said.

“There will always be work in looking back at the past because the past is so rich with detail that we in the present can learn from.”

Jeremy Hill, also a graduate of JCU, shares Ms Greer’s belief that archaeology is a burgeoning field for graduates.

“There is more work in archaeology than people realise,” he said.

“For instance, mining companies rely on us to look at the cultural heritage of their land and make assessments and recommendations.”

“In fact, there is so much work for (just) mining companies. I could work as an archaeologist for at least the next 100 years.”

Mr Hill said his motivation for choosing archaeology as a career was a need to understand and interpret the past.

“I have always been interested in the people of the past and present. Archaeology and anthropology are the best ways to satisfy this. And the practical side is always a plus.

“The curiosity of humans about where they come from, where they have been and where they will go, will drive the need for archaeologists.”

To work as an archaeologist in Australia, you must have completed a fourth-year Honors on top of a three-year Bachelor’s degree. JCU currently offers an Honors program for students who major in Archaeology as part of a Bachelor of Arts degree.